Reform our politics

Following are some of the key changes that would help make Washington work for us.

Provide public funding for all federal elections – barring candidates who took private donations, even from themselves or their families, from receiving one dime of public money.

Congress must be covered by every law it passes, and its members should receive the same kind of treatment (health care, pension benefits, parking, travel) available to the averageAmerican.

Limit congressional pensions so that they are on a par with private pensions. Former vice president Dan Quayle, who is heir to a multimillion-dollar familynewspaperfortune, is expected to collect $1.8 million in retirement benefits in his lifetime, starting at age 60.

Create a presidentially appointed Commission on Perks that would eliminate all special favors to Congress and the White House.

Prohibit members of Congress and their staff from accepting any donations, however small, from registered lobbyists.